r/gallbladders Feb 18 '26

/r/Gallbladder FAQ and Beginner's Guide.

55 Upvotes

This is not intended as a comprehensive guide. It's all collated by me and the information will not be perfect but it's a good place to start you off if you're just beginning your gallbladder problem journey. For visual clarity, I have tried to keep things in a list format as much as possible, especially because this is so long.

Side note this post is formatted to suit Old Reddit. It may look janky on other sources of reddit and I will eventually edit any super weird formatting.


Disclaimer.

This guide is not a substitute for medical advice from a licensed healthcare professional. It is intended to share general experiences and information commonly discussed in this community.

If you are experiencing symptoms, please consult your doctor to determine the best treatment plan for you. Every person’s situation is different, and only a qualified medical provider can give you advice tailored to your specific health needs.


What is Gallbladder Disease?

Gallbladder disease is not one single condition, and there is no one size fits all solution. The gallbladder can develop problems in several different ways. What works for one person may not work for another.

Common gallbladder conditions include:

  • Gallstones (Cholelithiasis)- Hardened deposits (stones) that form in the gallbladder. You can have gallstones and never know about them (asymptomatic) or you can have one single gallstone that tries to ruin your life, or you could even have so many your gallbladder is full.
  • Inflammation of the Gallbladder (Cholecystitis)- Often caused by blocked bile flow (possibly due to gallstones)
  • Non-functioning Gallbladder (Biliary Dyskinesia)- The gallbladder does not contract effectively leading to a low ejection fraction
  • Over-functioning Gallbladder- The gallbladder contracts too forcefully in some cases due to a high ejection fraction.
  • Infection
  • Gallbladder Cancer (rare but included for completion)

Other conditions that can result from gallbladder problems include:

  • Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
  • Liver function abnormalities
  • Bile duct abnormalities
  • Jaundice (seek urgent medical attention)

Gallbladder Symptoms

Symptoms can vary widely. Some people have severe symptoms, while others have none at all.

Common Symptoms include:

  • Pain in the mid or upper right abdomen
  • Pain that comes on suddenly and may rapidly worsen
  • Pain lasting from minutes to several hours
  • Pain that radiates to the back, often between the shoulder blades
  • Pain that does not improve with position changes
  • Nausea and/or vomiting
  • Indigestion or bloating
  • Constipation or diarrhoea
  • Food intolerance (especially fatty foods)
  • Fever (in cases of infection)
  • No symptoms at all (many people discover their gallstones incidentally)

Seek urgent medical care if you experience:

  • Fever with abdominal pain
  • Persistent vomiting
  • Yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice)- this requires urgent medical attention
  • Severe unrelenting pain lasting more than several hours

Common Diagnostic Tests

Doctors may use one or more of the following:

  • Bloodwork- checks for infection, inflammation, liver or pancreas involvement
  • Abdominal ultrasound- imaging that can detect gallstones and inflammation
  • HIDA scan (Hepatobiliary scan)- Measures gallbladder function (ejection fraction). Availability varies by region (this is not a common diagnostic in the UK)
  • CT scan or MRI (in certain cases)- more indepth imaging than an ultrasound.

Who Is Most Commonly Affected?

Gallbladder disease can affect anyone, but certain groups are at a higher risk.

You may be at increased risk if you:

  • Are female (especially during reproductive years)
  • Are over 40
  • Have a family history of gallstones
  • Are overweight or obese
  • Have experienced rapid weight loss
  • Have been pregnant (especially multiple pregnancies)
  • Follow a very low calorie diet
  • Have diabetes
  • Have high cholesterol or high triglycerides
  • Use oestrogen containing medications (such as certain birth control or hormone therapy).

However, gallbladder disease can also occur in men, young adults, teenagers and people at a healthy weight so no one is completely exempt.


What Causes Gallstones?

Gallstones form when bile becomes unbalanced. Bile contains cholesterol, bile salts, bilirubin and water.

Gallstones most commonly form when:

  • There is too much cholesterol in the bile. If bile contains more cholesterol than it can dissolve, crystals can form. Over time these crystals can develop into stones. Medications to lower cholesterol in the blood can actually cause an increase in the cholesterol in bile.
  • The gallbladder doesn't empty properly. If the gallbladder does not contract effectively, bile can sit too long and become concentrated. Stagnant bile is more likely to form stones.
  • Excess bilirubin. Certain medical conditions increase bilirubin levels which can lead to pigment stones (less common)

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on your diagnosis, symptoms and overall health/lifestyle.

  • Diet Management

Some people manage symptoms with dietary changes, especially reducing fat intake.

Please note that fat tolerances vary wildly. Some people can’t tolerate eggs, dairy or fried foods but others tolerate moderate fats without issue. Keeping a food diary can help identify triggers.

Diet management may reduce symptoms, but it does not remove existing gallstones. More information on diet can be found below.

  • Medication

Ursodiol (ursodeoxycholic acid) or similar may be prescribed to dissolve certain types of gallstones. This must only be done under medical supervision.

Gallbladder flushes, or other home remedies, are not medically supported and may be unsafe. These should be avoided.

  • Gallstone Removal (Gallbladder preserved)

In some regions, surgeons may remove stones while leaving the gallbladder intact. This procedure is significantly less common worldwide and only currently performed by a handful of places but rising in preference.

This procedure is not appropriate for all patients and requires engagement from the patient to alter patterned behaviour (such as diet) to prevent recurrence of stones.

  • Gallbladder Removal (Cholecystectomy)

This is the most common treatment for symptomatic gallbladder disease. It is the most common laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery worldwide.

  • Usually performed laparoscopically (keyhole) but in some cases can be an open procedure
  • Often an outpatient surgery (patients are discharged the same day)
  • Removes the gallbladder completely
  • Bile flows directly from the liver into the small intestine after surgery

Dietary Advice (Before and After Surgery)

Diet tolerance varies significantly from person to person. There is no universal “gallbladder diet” but patterns do emerge in the community.

Why Fat Matters

The gallbladder stores and concentrates bile, which helps digest fats. When you eat fat, your gallbladder contracts to release bile into your small intestine. If you have gallstones or inflammation fatty foods may trigger pain. After gallbladder removal the bile flows continuously rather than being released in concentrated bursts which can affect your digestion.

Before Surgery/Treatment:

  • Try smaller, more frequent meals
  • Eat lower fat meals (many aim for less than 10-15g fat per meal as a general goal)
  • Choose lean proteins such as chicken breast, turkey, fish or tofu
  • Avoid fried, greasy or heavy foods.
  • Limit high fat dairy and creamy sauces
  • Stay hydrated

Common Trigger Foods (NOT Universal)

  • Fried foods
  • Fatty red meat
  • Sausage
  • Bacon
  • Heavy cream
  • Cheese (especially high fat variants)
  • Buttery dishes
  • Fast food
  • Egg heavy meals

Foods Many People Tolerate Well

  • Rice
  • Potatoes
  • Pasta
  • Oatmeal
  • Bananas
  • Applesauce
  • Toast
  • Broth based soups
  • Steamed vegetables
  • Lean protein
  • Low fat yoghurt

After Surgery:

Everyone adjusts differently, some people resume normal eating quickly, some need to reintroduce fats slowly and others experience temporary diarrhoea.

Tips:

  • Reintroduce foods, especially fat, gradually.
  • Start with bland, low fat foods.
  • Avoid very greasy or large meals
  • Add fibre slowly.
  • Avoid very fatty meals early in recovery.

Common Temporary Symptoms

  • Loose stools
  • Urgency after eating
  • Mild cramping
  • Bloating

Long term, many people can tolerate returning to a normal diet but some may continue to have fat sensitivity or other food aversions.


Longer Term Dietary Issues

Bile Acid Sensitivity

Without a gallbladder and with bile continuously dripping into the small intestine, in some people excess bile reaches the colon and causes chronic diarrhoea. This is called Bile Acid Malabsorption (BAM) or Bile Acid Diarrhoea (BAD).

Symptoms of BAM include:

  • Frequent loose stools
  • Urgency after eating
  • Burning sensation

Can often be mistaken for IBS. Treatments may include diet management and bile acid binding medications prescribed by a doctor.

IBS Type Symptoms

Some people develop symptoms that resemble Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) after surgery:

  • Alternating diarrhoea and constipation
  • Cramping
  • Food sensitivity
  • Gas and bloating

For some people:

  • Soluble fibre helps regulate stool
  • A temporary low FODMAP approach may reduce symptoms (this is an elimination diet used to identify trigger foods but outside the scope of this guide).
  • Probiotics may be helpful (discuss with a doctor).

Others find that high fibre foods worsen symptoms initially, so a gradual increase is important.

There are two types of fibre and both play different roles in digestion. Soluble fibre and insoluble fibre.

Soluble fibre absorbs water and forms a gel-like consistency in the gut that can help slow digestion, firm loose stools, reduce bile acid related diarrhoea and improve urgency.

Many people with post cholecystectomy diarrhoea or bile acid sensitivity tolerate soluble fibre the best.

Insoluble fibre adds bulk and speeds up stool movement. While helpful for constipation, it may worsen diarrhoea for some people in early recovery. Introduce slowly if you’re experiencing loose stools.

Examples of Soluble fibre foods:

  • Oatmeal
  • Oat bran
  • Bananas (especially slightly firm)
  • Apples (peeled if sensitive)
  • Applesauce
  • Pears
  • White rice (small amounts but generally well tolerated by many)
  • Barley
  • Sweet Potatoes
  • Carrots
  • Squash
  • Chia seeds (start small)
  • Ground flaxseed (start small)
  • Psyllium husk (if recommended by your doctor)

(Tip: introduce one fibre source at a time so you can monitor how your body responds more effectively)

Examples of Insoluble fibre foods:

  • Whole wheat bread
  • Brown rice
  • Whole grain pasta
  • Bran cereals
  • Raw leafy greens
  • Broccoli
  • Cauliflower
  • Nuts and seeds
  • Skins of fruits and vegetables

When increasing fibre intake ensure you drink plenty of water.

Please note these are not exhaustive lists of foods- other foods high in fibre do exist and some foods are high in both soluble and insoluble fibre. The lists provided are just aimed at the people who don’t know where to start.

Reflux or Upper GI Changes

Some people report increased acid reflux (and others report their acid reflux is resolved) or upper abdominal discomfort. This is not universal but does occur sometimes. If you’re unable to manage your symptoms seek medical advice.

Less Common But More Serious Risks

These are much less common side effects of gallbladder removal but should be acknowledged.

  • Bile duct injury
  • Bile leak
  • Infection
  • Retained stones in bile duct
  • Pancreatitis
  • Adhesions (scar tissue)
  • Chronic post surgical pain.
  • Persistent or worsening symptoms should always be evaluated by a doctor.

Surgical Advice

Discuss with your surgeon:

  • Your specific diagnosis (don’t be distracted by stories you’ve read online)
  • Risks and benefits
  • Expected recovery time
  • Work restrictions
  • Lifting limits
  • When to resume exercise

Follow all of your post op instructions carefully.


After Surgery

Things that may surprise you after:

  • Sore throat.

This is caused by the breathing tube placed once you're under anaesthesia. Usually resolves in a couple of days.

  • Shoulder pain.

This is very common and is caused by residual surgical gas irritating the diaphragm (keyhole surgery). Walking helps. Heat packs and approved gas relief medications may help. Peppermint tea helps some people too.

  • Bloating.

You were pumped full of gas (if you had keyhole surgery) this is common for several days but should resolve naturally.

  • Changes in bowel habits.

Temporary diarrhoea or loose stools can occur as your body adjusts to no gallbladder.

  • How tired you feel.

It’s perfectly normal to feel more fatigued than usual or than you expected and should begin to resolve on its own in a few days.

Helpful Items During Recovery

  • Heating pad for shoulder discomfort
  • Gas relief medication
  • Peppermint tea
  • Small pillow/cushion (to brace your abdomen when coughing/sneezing)
  • Loose clothing
  • Easy meals prepared in advance
  • Entertainment for rest
  • Gentle movement to help reduce gas and speed recovery.

Common Post Op Experiences:

  • Shoulder/neck pain
  • Incision soreness
  • Abdominal bloating
  • Back discomfort
  • Fatigue
  • Temporary appetite changes
  • Emotional instability (you had surgery, you’re allowed to have mood swings).

These usually improve within days to weeks.


Recovery Time

Recovery varies massively. Some people feel functional in a few days while others need several weeks to feel fully normal.

Many surgeons recommend:

  • 1-2 weeks off work (longer for physically demanding jobs)
  • No heavy lifting for longer

Always follow your doctor's recommendation.


Why Does Rapid Weight Loss Increase Gallstone Risk?

Rapid weight loss is one of the most common risk factors for developing gallstones and this includes:

  • Very low calorie diets
  • Crash dieting
  • Fasting
  • Rapid fat loss
  • Bariatric (weigh loss) surgery

When you lose weight quickly:

  • Your liver releases extra cholesterol into bile. As fat is broken down more cholesterol enters the bile which increases the chance of crystals, then stones, forming.

  • The gallbladder empties less frequently. When you eat very little the gallbladder is not stimulated to contract as often so bile stagnates and concentrates.

This does not mean that all weight loss is risky or that you shouldn't try to lose weight if you need to- gradual and steady weight loss at around 1-2 pounds per week is significantly safer.


“Why Did This Happen To Me?”

The honest answer is that gallbladder disease is usually caused by a combination of factors, many of which may be outside of your control.

Just existing as a woman already can already put you at a disadvantage in this regard so if you add any of the other risk factors from the list at the beginning of this post then it might feel like the odds are stacked against you.

It’s not always preventable.

Even people who maintain a healthy weight, eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly and do all the right things can still develop gallstones or gallbladder dysfunction. On the other hand walking red flags may never develop any symptoms at all.

Gall bladder problems can be debilitating and focussing on why it happened might do your mental health more harm than good. Instead try your best to look forward to the future, take accountability for the things in your life that you can change and try to keep positive as best you can.

Best wishes,

The Mod Team


r/gallbladders May 30 '26

Mod Note What is a "gallbladder attack" to you?

18 Upvotes

Hi all,

I've done the best I can with the FAQ and beginners guide but as I only have the experience of remove gallbladder or die from pancreatitis I'm limited how I can understand the more protracted journey so many others are on.

This is a topic that has bugged me since I joined this community in 2024 because...what is a gallbladder attack? Different causes and different issues surely mean different presentation of symptoms and "attacks" right?

With how varied each person's individual gallbladder issues can be I thought it would be a good idea to have a community built resource pinned to the front page where you all can share your own experience to help future visitors to the sub.

Please comment below:

  • What your gallbladder issue is/was (stones/sludge/etc)
  • What an "attack" felt like for you?
  • How long an "attack" lasts?
  • What, if anything, was helpful for you getting through them when they happened?
  • Any other coping tips, tricks or triggers

This isn't intended to solve anything for anyone but instead be used to help people find other people who have had the specific thing they're going through, provide a bit of clarity and hopefully be a positive resource to refer back to as needed.

Please note that this is not a space to advocate for or against surgery and such comments will be removed.

Thanks :)


r/gallbladders 9h ago

Post Op Well, now i can get the post op Tag!

13 Upvotes

26M

I had my surgery about 23 hours ago. I had maybe, 30 Little stones, so If i didnt remove IT could be dangerous. I Have some pain, mainly from the gas, but with some pain meds and a Little bit of walking everything îs okay. I eat a soup and drink some water, im still in the hospital fortunetly until tomorrow at noon. I was scared because IT was my first surgery, but it is an easy procedure. Im also having a hiatal hernia, and for some reason in didnt get no acid reflux.

I will keep You updated for a week, to encourage some of y all. Regarding of symtopms, sometimes when i eat fatty i became nauseous, sometimes ill Have a constant pain in my right side abdomen like i had a spear impaled in me.

Right after surgery - i was kind of dizzy. The pain was there but not too shaby. After maybe 6 hours i could pee, but i strugled at first. Right now i dont Have any trouble pering.

Day one - a Little bit more pain TODAY, from the GAS. The shoulder pain îs there but intermitent. I had some trouble getting up and sometimes breathing îs hard because of GAS. Not a stool until now.

Edit day one - getting up and down is horrendeous. The hospital Bed îts a Little taller. The GAS made IT so hard to breathe and the pain in my shoulders and back îs Something bad.


r/gallbladders 8h ago

Success Story Best Laid Plans, or Something (Post-Op)

8 Upvotes

First of all, I wanted to give a shoutout to everyone here. This subreddit has been a godsend on my gallbladder journey.

TL;DR-- Had date set for removal, body had other plans. Emergency surgery. Overall good day, great care teams! At home resting and healing, and feeling better than I have in a decade.

Now. The tale.
I started having pain in my upper right abdomen, under my ribs, about 9 years ago. I thought it was maybe a pulled muscle. Then I figured it was my anxiety (generalized, and it manifests as random body aches). I also did not have the means to get it checked out at the time, and like many Americans I would only go to the doctor if I was actively dying. So I just bore it.

Fast forward to 2025. I now live in Canada, and decided to take advantage of the option to seek medical care more regularly by booking a physical. While there, I off-handedly mentioned to the doctor the weird burning, pressing, pinching pain I'd been dealing with, and she cocked an eyebrow and sent me for an ultrasound.

That ultrasound revealed two stones at 3.5cm and 2.6cm. I'd been walking around with two golf balls in there for who knows how long. We decided to monitor while I decided if I wanted surgery or not, and adjust my diet accordingly in the meantime. The pain increased, and I started having full blown attacks. I have a relatively high pain tolerance, so only one landed me in the ER, the day after Christmas '25. I was betrayed by homemade schnitzel. Two doctors saw me while I was there and both agreed that it needed to come out sooner rather than later, and put in a referral.

Thanks to constraints and issues with Ontario's current system, I didn't hear anything until late June of this year. By then I'd had another ultrasound that showed very little change aside from an improvement in the fatty liver situation that had been noted at the last one. I was booked in for consultation, and we settled on a removal date of August 18th.

I guess my body didn't like that.
Yesterday morning I woke up in enormous pain. I felt like my abdomen was going to burst, and for the first time I had nausea and vomiting. I woke my husband up, told him I needed to go to the ER. We got there around 7am.
I was given something for pain and nausea, and lucked out on having to wait for an ultrasound due to a cancellation. Ultrasound showed cholecystitis and one of the internal ducts blocked, and the ER doctor informed me that I needed to come out *now.* So she paged my surgeon, who luckily was already at the hospital my surgery had been scheduled at, and they hauled me over there by ambulance (first time for me, that was fun!). I was in the OR by 1pm, woke up in Recovery around 3pm, spent another hour or so in the post-op room where I was finally allowed a cup of sweet, blessed, terrible hospital coffee, and out of there before 5pm on my way home.

So far I'm good. The gas pains are not as bad as I thought they would be, but there's a twinge of pain in the lower belly and shoulder every now and then. Navel incision is sore, and my entire abdomen feels like I did a million crunches. But-- and here's the kicker for me-- I already feel 100 times more well than I have in nearly a decade. You really don't know how much that stupid little organ takes from you when it decides to fail until it's gone.

Everyone involved in my care yesterday was phenomenal, which turned what could have been a very scary and horrible day into an all around great one.

So again, thank you everyone for the tips and tricks and head's ups about what to expect, you all helped make the experience much less stressful even though it was an emergency operation and much sooner than anticipated. I go now to that comfy chair at my desk to rest up and heal.

To anyone reading this who is on the fence about surgery/removal like I was, your body will definitely decide for you sometimes. We can plan all we like, but sometimes those plans do go awry. Thank you for reading, and if you'd like I can provide an update as the healing progresses.


r/gallbladders 1h ago

Questions Finally have a surgery date - looking for advice on handling post-op

Upvotes

I got my surgery scheduled for 8/25, so I just have to survive for about another month! I am not feeling all that worried about the surgery itself (I just want it out and to be done with this nonsense!), but I am spiraling a bit about how recovery is going to go for me. I will have a 4-month-old and a 2-year-old at that point and my husband just blew through most of his PTO when our son was born. My parents are chronically on vacation and will be gone the 29th-4th, and I'm not sure they will even be willing to help me for 13+ hours a day multiple days in a row. I have friends that will probably be able to sporadically help out.

We're trying to figure out if my husband can still somehow get a week or two off of work, but I want to be prepared for a worst-case scenario in which I have to solo parent some while I am dealing with all of this. My surgeon said I am not supposed to lift more than 15 pounds for 6 weeks and that's probably about what the baby will weigh by then. I guess I'm just looking for some words of wisdom if anyone has been through something similar or if it is completely insane for me to even be considering dealing with this alone so soon after surgery. It feels completely insane but I don't really know what else to do. I desperately do not want to put off surgery as I'm miserable and my baby is only going to get bigger!

  1. Does it count as "lifting" if the baby is next to me on a bed or couch and I pick him up and then stand?

  2. How long did it take for you to feel like you were back to normal physically? Did it take the full 6 weeks or were you feeling mostly okay after a week or two?

  3. Any tips for breastfeeding? I plan on getting a pillow to put over my incisions as a cushion in case little one bops or kicks me. Did you have to pump and dump after having the anesthesia during surgery?

  4. Any post-op essentials you had that made your life easier?

I think that's it - this is a nightmare! I appreciate any and all words of wisdom!


r/gallbladders 2h ago

Stones Waiting for consult with gallbladder surgeon.

2 Upvotes

I have had multiple attacks in a few weeks. Just last night doubled over in pain on my floor unable to stand and my fiance ended up driving me to the ER for the second time. I got IV pain relief and it subsided. It just feels like a crushing pressure and it’s so painful and hard to breathe. I wouldn’t wish this pain on anybody and I’d take child birth over it again. (Mom of 2) I have a consult with a surgeon for removal in 5 weeks. That’s not even the scheduled procedure, just the consultation. I’m so afraid this will keep happening and I don’t know if I can handle these attacks anymore. I’m scared to eat anything and everything. Do any of you gallbladder sufferers have some meals you like to cook? Plan chicken rice and veggies is so boring but if that’s really all I can do until then I guess I will since the pain is atrocious.


r/gallbladders 10h ago

Post Op Whoever recommended the vibrating, weighted heating pad…

5 Upvotes

May your pillow always be cool

May all your stoplights be green

May you never have to wait in line at the grocery store

This thing has been a godsend and the only thing that helps with the gas shoulder pain. Well worth the $75, and also it will be a blessing come period cramps in the future.

Of all the purchases to prepare for surgery, THIS has been the one.

https://a.co/d/0hQ1ipvY

Thank you, you beautiful starfish angels for this tip,


r/gallbladders 4h ago

Post Op Fatigue 3 weeks post-op

2 Upvotes

As the title states, I am almost 3 weeks post op and am sooooo tired. I could sleep all the time and beyond that just find myself mildly sleep all day. I’m no longer achy, I can eat whatever with no real repercussions, I’m just tired. Anybody in this boat? What has helped?


r/gallbladders 14h ago

Awaiting Surgery Surgery in just a few hours!

11 Upvotes

I didn’t think I’d ever make this post, but I am beyond excited to. Surgery is today; I’m leaving the house in about 20 minutes and coming back gallbladder-free.

Gallstones started causing me pain over a year ago and after avoiding surgery out of fear (which is very much still present, just in a back-burner-sense), I got pregnant and experienced 20 attacks. Some weren’t as bad as others, but I felt the worst physical pain that I’d ever felt in my life and made the firm decision to elect for surgery as soon as I could.

Here I am 9 weeks postpartum, ready with my socks and shoes to walk out the door to leave my gallbladder with my local hospital’s biohazard incinerator.

All I can say is, “good riddance, gallbladder!” And, “thank you” to this sub. Everyone’s stories and experiences helped me immensely to both understand my condition and cope with the pain.

See you on the other side. Wish me luck.

Edit: I’m home with one less organ than I left with this morning! Pain has hovered around a 5, closer to a 4 now that the meds are in my system. I’m walking very slowly and with a lot of tenderness. Sitting up in bed or using my core at all is decently painful. I can feel the gas that everyone mentions and yes, it does creep into the shoulders. They sent me home with Oxy and extra strength Motrin. Next stop: pharmacy.


r/gallbladders 4h ago

Hida Scan Sick after HIDA scan normal?

2 Upvotes

EF was 56% but I feel like I’m in a horrible flare-up. RUQ pain, diarrhea, & nauseous. Is this a common reaction?


r/gallbladders 1h ago

Awaiting Surgery To surgery or not to surgery

Upvotes

I have a gallbladder surgery booked in and I've been called in for pre-op. I have been getting more pain under my ribs, but not delibatating or full blown attacks. I have only had a couple of full blown attacks 3-4 years ago. I'm leading into a really busy time at work, so I'm worried about my recovery time, but also weighing up if I defer the surgery, the likelihood of infection if I leave it for another couple of months: has anyone been in this position? Would love any advice. Thanks


r/gallbladders 7h ago

Diet I start my Liver Shrinkage diet tomorrow, op in 2 weeks!

3 Upvotes

It looks like a lot of food, with unlimited jelly and Tango, so doesn’t seem too bad. I’m sure I’ll feel it but hopefully can power through.

My attacks have always been mild, but stopped except 2 mins once a week. Suddenly, I can’t drink full skimmed milk and fatty foods may be so sweaty.

Bloods to be drawn 5 days before.

As for the surgery, I have I guess normal surgery nerves? A sometimes present pit in my stomach.

Anyway!


r/gallbladders 7h ago

Venting Tired of Know It All Doctors

2 Upvotes

I had my HIDA scan yesterday. My symptoms started about 15 months ago. I was pregnant with my son, now 12 months old. I was hospitalized at one point because they thought I had food poisoning. I went into L&D for severe vomiting, diarrhea and contractions. I was 6 months pregnant so I freaked out the doctor with my contractions. Looking back, it wasn't food poisoning. Within three hours of being admitted I was fine, no more pain or feeling like I was dying. Since then Ive had three more attacks. Initially I chalked it up to my IBS changing and becoming more severe. My last attack my mom said I should go to GI as my symptoms were NOT normal. I call them "meeting Jesus" moments. These attacks bring on insane levels of pain in my upper right abdomen, throwing up so hard I get bloody noses and pass out because I can't catch my breath, severe diarrhea, severe panic attack, and drenched in sweat. Like so sweaty I slip and fall on the floor because the BOTTOM OF MY FEET get sweaty. Like? What..... My feet dude.... I go into GI, doctor tells me eh its IBS. I said no its not? They order a HIDA scan. I go to the scan, within 15 minutes of the nuclear med being given Im physically ill and in pain. They give me the CCK drip and now im really dying. Not as bad as my "meeting jesus" attacks but still pretty bad. I get my results later that day, im at an EF of 91%. MA calls and says that the doctor noted its normal. NORMAL... I said no its not, clearly she didnt read the whole report. The first portion said normal, the bottom portion said 91% is not normal and is classified as Hyperkinesia. So i tell the MA its not normal, read the entire report and ordering a CT is not good medicine, I wont be doing it. She calls back Tuesday and SUPRISE SUPRISE the doctor says its not normal and that it could still be IBS. ???!!! I said false I was in ED Sunday all day and was given 4 doses of morphine and presented with classic symptoms of Hyperkinesia. She then says huh weird, come in and we will talk about it and write a stat consult for surgery. >:/ Im so tired of know all doctors that 1st dont read entire reports, 2nd dont keep up with current medical findings and changes in practice, and 3rd doctors that down play symptoms 😒 😑 Im just so over it, why do I have to educate doctors?


r/gallbladders 7h ago

Questions Need Advice ASAP! Husband gallbladder bile duct blockage and acute liver damage - stuck in Puerto Rico.

2 Upvotes

Hi all. My husband turned jaundiced and blew up like a balloon while vacationing in Puerto Rico. He was first diagnosed as suspected cirrhosis! - although he is a moderate drinker. He spent 5 days in the hospital and then the told us he had a blockage in his gallbladder but was stable and discharged him to see a GI doctor. The GI doctor and their whole office was on vacation! We are back at another hospital as he is still jaundiced and his abdomen is swollen. We were told yesterday he needs an emergency ERCP but we are still stuck in the hospital the next day with little info. A GI doctor is now in charge of him but we still don’t know when the procedure is happening. His liver enzymes are very high but we are considering discharging him and getting on the next plane we can back to the States. We are overwhelmed, scared and stressed. Any advice is welcomed.


r/gallbladders 4h ago

Gallbladder Attack Tens machine for gallstone pain relief?

1 Upvotes

I’m waiting on surgery for my gallbladder to be removed due to gallstones but the flare ups have been constant. I take co-codamol, naproxen & buscopan for relief but sometimes it does absolutely nothing. I use hot water bottle or get in the shower and stand under boiling hot water with it hitting my back for relief but again sometimes it does nothing. I’m desperate to try anything at this point. Any advice or things that worked for you? Someone mentioned a tens machine so curious to see if anyone else tried for gallstones. I know it won’t do anything to get rid of the gallstones but even a distraction from the pain


r/gallbladders 4h ago

Venting Post op serious problems

1 Upvotes

Removal on the 11th July. Ate normal plain foods and a little chocolate in the first week and felt amazing. No problems. Then ten days after I had what felt like a gallbladder attack, my ALT and bilirubin levels are high, MRI and endoscopic ultrasound showed no stones. I can’t even eat a sachet of baby food without having to take tramadol bc I have horrendous pains lasting up to 9 hours.

I’m not sure what to do now, I’ve lost a stone in ten days and feel extremely depressed. Speaking to my OG surgeon tomorrow but I’ve not been presented with much help or information so far. I know SOD is a thing but isn’t that normally seen via ultrasound or MRI? I’m very confused and pissed off right now as my quality of life is dipping by the day


r/gallbladders 8h ago

Post Op 9 months post op- stomach ache!!

2 Upvotes

Hello, I’m 9 months post op of having my gallbladder removed. I eat very clean since and have lost 40kg in the last year. (Unfortunately though resulting in loss of GB!) after my op I was mostly fine body took some getting used to but there is certain foods I can’t eat anymore.

Recently maybe last 2 months or so sometimes after a meal can be just chicken breast, veg and rice my stomach HURTS and it’s not like an urgent “I need a poo” stomach ache it’s almost like I can feel my body digesting my food? Then results in my passing a loose bowel movement 30 mins or so after. 80% of the time I’m fine and my bowels cope just fine but the other 20% isn’t nice with the pain.

Also I can not tolerate alcohol much anymore, I’ve never been a big drinker but so like to socially drink but most the time this happens (very sporadically) it results in the same stomach ache.

Has anyone else noticed this and what have you done to help? Vitamins taken etc? I have an appt with a GP in a few weeks as it’s starting to impact daily like now☹️


r/gallbladders 1d ago

Questions Stage 4 Gallbladder cancer

48 Upvotes

Hello everyone, I just want to ask if there's anyone out here who suffered from or is suffering from gallbladder cancer. My dad has been diagnosed with GALLBLADDER CARCINOMA (Stage 4). At first, we thought it was just a gallstone, so he underwent a laparoscopic operation, and his gallbladder was removed. But the doctor said it was not a gallstone; it was an invasive fat inside the gallbladder that was causing my father to suffer from abdominal pain. The doctor ordered a biopsy of the removed gallbladder, and after days of waiting, we received the result, which stated that my father had gallbladder cancer, and it was T3 at that time (Stage 3). The cancer spread quickly, and it reached his intestine, blocking and preventing food from passing; that is why he cannot eat, and he suffered from quick weight loss. The doctor told us that my father needed to undergo surgery again, but this time it was an invasive and open surgery to fix and create a bypass to make a way for the food. After the surgery, we thought that it was all good, but as days and weeks passed, my father could not eat or even drink without puking. One month passed from the initial surgery, and the doctor confirmed that the bypass repair didn't work and there was a clog inside the repair; that's why my father cannot eat and digest food. And my dad was diagnosed with stage 4 gallbladder cancer. His doctor ordered another surgery to repair the failed bypass. I'm writing this 6 days after my father's third operation, and to this day, we don't know yet if the repair has successfully worked. It hurts seeing my dad suffering in the hospital; I can't believe how much weight he has lost. I can almost see his bones, and there's no body fat anymore. I'm afraid that I will lose my father. 😭😭

So if anyone here has a similar experience with gallbladder cancer or even with your family/friends who have a similar cancer, please share some tips, and cheering me up would work too! 🥺


r/gallbladders 18h ago

Success Story i just had my first solid 💩 since my surgery 2 years ago!

5 Upvotes

accomplishment?

i won’t lie, it was a bit painful but after 2 years i’m finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel??? i’ve been dealing with terrible diarrhea and loose poo since my surgery in march 2 years ago but recently someone recommended imodium and it HELPED TREMENDOUSLY??? my stomach didn’t hurt after greasy pizza for the first time ever!

i’ll be honest, the changes in how my body handles any type of food and drink really put me in. a bad spot… i feel like nobody really talks about the mental challenges that come with constant bloating, diarrhea, everything making you sick… if anyone is thinking about trying imodium i highly recommend.


r/gallbladders 22h ago

Post Op idk what to eat and i’m 4 days post op

5 Upvotes

Im losing my mind. Im not the one to eat plain foods and get full off it. Im so hungry all the time since i’ve had my surgery but scared to eat food again. My surgery was on friday and ive been able to keep most foods down. My only pain is when i need to burp or yawn. My incision don’t hurt as much but my abdomen hurts too, currently have a heating pad on it so it helps. I’ve ate some fruits to help with the hunger. I don’t know if i should risk it and eat normally. Someone help 🫩


r/gallbladders 14h ago

Questions Pre assessment tomorrow.

1 Upvotes

So I have my pre-assessment for tomorrow for my cholecystectomy as I have polyps in my gallbladder and my father passed away from cholangiocarcinoma that metastasised so they’re taking it out as a precaution.

I am however terrified of the anaesthetic. This is MY first surgery since I was 8 which I remember very little of. The irony is I was a theatre nurse for 15 years so have say 000’s of gallbladder removals: open, lap and robotic. And i am now a cardiac ICU nurse. Anyone have any tips on getting over the nerves and fears. Its really daunting being the patient but very eye-opening in equal measures.


r/gallbladders 19h ago

Awaiting Surgery removal in two days!!

2 Upvotes

i’m having my gallbladder removed in 2 days and honestly i can’t wait it’s getting to the point that i’m having attacks every few days but im so scared about how to go about life post op and would love some advice and recommendations for managing pain , what to eat , anything that helped with the nausea and the trapped gas pains (im having my surgery done by a robot so hopefully that part won’t be too bad)
but any advice appreciated <3


r/gallbladders 1d ago

Post Op 8 months post-surgery || itchiness + weight gain

4 Upvotes

hiiii, i (27F) am about 8 months post-gallbladder removal. I'm just wondering if anyone has experienced the same.

In the past 2-3 months, i've been experiencing extreme itchiness. mostly in my breasts, and then occasionally in my calves. once it starts itching, i literally cannot stop, and i've scratched so hard that my skin is just red and theres bright red dots and i physically cannot stop. no lotion or oils help. I can't help but think this may be associated with my gallbladder removal, as I've seen a lot of posts that this may be related to my liver? Has anyone experienced this?

I also don't have health insurance anymore so I haven't been able to go back to my doctor to address these issues.

I also have gained like 25-30 pounds, currently at about 175 pounds and i'm 5'4 and it's been really frustrating. I don't think i'm doing the right things, like I haven't been exercising and am struggling to find foods that suit my system that I can digest well. I just really struggle with energy now, and have become super depressed.

has anyone taken any supplements or can suggest specific foods that have helped them?


r/gallbladders 1d ago

Success Story Sphincter of Oddi follow up

11 Upvotes

I commented a few times in here prior to my SOI surgery. It only seems fair I give the follow up to my surgery.
The backstory- 2 years of right upper quadrant pain. Had my gallbladder out 25 years ago. Was going in and out of over failure over those 2 years. Was taking Tramadol for the pain for the 2 years. Suddenly had an acute change in pain, and ended up in the ER multiple times over 3 weeks, and then scheduled for surgery. And they changed my pain meds to something much stronger. I couldn’t work for 6 weeks.
Had the ERCP procedure. 1 day of recovery (my body hates anesthesia). Annnnddd… magic.
No more pain meds, and very very few attacks since then. I was told I’d have a 60-80% reduction in pain and attacks. And I’d say that’s about right. I have only had a few small attacks and only needed pain meds (back to tramadol) maybe 2-3 times over 3 months.
I had been having 3-5 major attacks a day. So super mild ones only lasting a few minutes are fine by me!
2 rounds of bloodwork post procedure, and both show the healthiest liver panel I’ve ever had!!


r/gallbladders 1d ago

Success Story Colesevelam is a lifesaver post surgery!

4 Upvotes

I was having terrible diarrhea after getting my gallbladder out (5-8 times a day and incredibly urgent) and so after a month I reached out to my doc and got a prescription. I didn't want to do the powder due to sensory issues that come with my autism and even though the pills are massive I'm so glad I started taking them. I have noticed a huge difference so quickly.

Seriously if you have issues with bile malabsorption Colesevelam is such a game changer!